The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) joins the Latino and social justice community in mourning the death of CARECEN President, Saul Solorzano. A long-time Latino leader and social activist, Saul died unexpectedly after a fall at his home in Northwest Washington on August 17.
Saul Solorzano will be remembered for his tireless work on behalf of Central American refugees and migrants in the Washington metropolitan region. Since the late eighties, he coordinated local and national efforts to protect Central American refugees fleeing the civil wars in their countries. He was a key actor in getting legislation passed that gave Central American refugees Temporary Protected Status, preventing deportation to their war torn countries. As the wars ended, Saul turned his political and advocacy skills towards fighting for affordable housing and protecting the rights of Latino tenants, while working to advance the Latino community in the areas of citizenship and civic engagement, and economic development.
Saul also served on numerous committees including the Latino Civil Rights Project, the National Capital Area Immigration Coalition, the Coalition for Non-Profit Housing development, the DC Congressional Latino Council, and the US Census Advisory Committee on the Hispanic Population.
His dedication and commitment to the Latino community and to social justice will be sorely missed.
To read the Washington Post's obituary of Saul Solorzano click here.
